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Nature Lover's Paradise - Aucilla River In St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge

Lamont, FL, USA

House1350 sq. ft.

Sleeps: 6

Bedrooms: 2

Bathrooms: 1

Half Baths: 1

Min Stay: 1 nights

Instant Confirmation

2 Bedrooms, 2 Bathrooms, Sleeps 6

The Moorings at Mandalay, Aucilla River Florida is ultimate and unique eco-tourist destination – a true nature lover’s paradise inside the St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge -- birding, boating, sailing, canoeing, hiking, hunting, scalloping, fishing, artifact hunting, wildflower collecting, wildlife observation, nature photography, and painting. You can enjoy the pristine beauty of the Aucilla River. You’ll love the panoramic view of the refuge across the river through the 40 feet of sliding glass doors or from the dock. Pets are allowed with a $50 pet fee and modern flea protection.

This retreat is beautifully furnished with objects collected from around the world. The 2-bedroom, 1 ½ bath home has a queen-size bed, a comfortable double size futon, and a double Tempur-Pedic bed and plenty of floor space for inflatable mattresses. The home is fully furnished including linens, dishes, a dishwasher, a microwave, a washer, a dryer, a flat-screen TV, a VCR/DVD player, CD's, DVDs, games, books and more.

The rambling yard that has 160 front feet right along the riverbank. From the dock, you are just upstream about 10 minutes from the Gulf of Mexico with a public boat ramp nearby. The area has abundant wildlife. Seasonal sightings include ruby-throated hummingbirds, ospreys, bald eagles, pleated woodpeckers, swallow-tailed kites, great blue herons, white pelicans, turkeys, and flocks of iron head storks. In the river, teeming with fish, we've also seen manatees, otters, and porpoises. All around in the forest raccoon, deer, fox, coyotes, bobcats, and wild boar abound.

It’s a short hop up to Tallahassee, just 45 minutes; to Perry it’s 20 minutes. About 30 minutes away is the village of St. Marks, on the St. Marks River where it converges with the crystal clear Wakulla River. At the headwaters of the Wakulla River, twenty minutes away, is the Wakulla Springs Lodge State Park, a “river boat adventure” tour, swimming, dining, and lodging. For your convenience, JR’s Aucilla River Store is within 5 miles at the US 98 bridge. A guide service is available that provides licensed charter captains intimately familiar with the Big Bend waters.

This area has a rich archaeological history. You will walk the same trails of our ancestors from the Pleistocene era. For hiking, about three miles from the house, a segment of the Florida Trail runs east and west through the forest of the National Wildlife Refuge. It parallels US 98, then turns north up the Aucilla River basin through the many sinkholes to the upper run. That segment has white water rapid canoeing.

You can enjoy a half-day pristine canoe or fishing trip from the headwaters of the Wacissa River merging with the Aucilla River’s lower run ending at the house. Nearby recreational areas include Hickory Mound Impoundment, especially good for birding, Goose Pasture Recreational Area for canoeing and picnicking, and the St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge for scenic beauty and abundant wildlife.

Like us on Facebook, The Moorings at Mandalay, for additional pictures and Map of Aucilla River channel, overlaid on a satellite photo.

Bedrooms

2 Bedrooms

Sleeps 6

Property Manager

Bob & Betsy Fulford

Member Since 2015

Speaks:

english

Calendar last updated:

Dec 17, 2018

Amenities

Internet

Air Conditioning

Pets Welcome

Fireplace

TV

Washer & Dryer

Children Welcome

Parking

Heater

Bathrooms

1 Bathroom, 1 Half Bath

Bathroom 1

toilet, shower

Bathroom 2

toilet

The full bath has a tub/shower combo.

Location Type

Rural

This is an idyllic spot for those who love nature! It is restful and relaxing, and very hard to leave once you are there!

Water View

There is 40 feet of glass on the river side of the house, so almost every where you are there is a stunning view of the river.

Waterfront

Our home is right on the edge of the river.

Meals

Guests provide their own meals

General

Parking

Telephone

Local calls, no long distance except with calling card.

Heating

Central Heat

Linens Provided

Washing Machine

Clothes Dryer

Fireplace

Sorry, NO fire please!

Air Conditioning

Central Air Conditioning

Internet

Wireless Internet

Towels Provided

Wireless Internet

Wood Stove

Out on the deck. Must be monitored at all times.

Hair Dryer

Living Room

Kitchen

Grill

Dishwasher

Stove

Oven

Microwave

Refrigerator

There is an ice-maker using filtered water. To keep the pressure up so that the ice will continue to make, DO NOT use the filtered water on the refrigerator. Rather, use the dispenser at the sink.

Entertainment

Piano with small instruments and music in the bench, 4 Decks of Cards, Trivial Pursuit, etc.

Music Library

A variety of CDs.

Video Library

Lots of DVDs & VHS tapes for adults and children.

Outside

Lawn / Garden

A very large yard with flowers to attract hummingbirds and butterflies.

Boat

If you want to arrange a sailing trip, we will see if we can find a captain for you.

Outdoor Grill

Must be monitored at all times.

Deck / Patio

Golf

Golf clubs available.

Suitability

limited accessibility

Notes

NO CANDLES and NO OPEN FLAMES in the house! Please ensure that our home is safe from fire! Nearest fire department is 25 miles away. There are 3 fire extinguishers - on under the sink, and 2 in the pantry next to the kitchen trashcan.

House Rules

Check-in: 4:00 PM

Check-out: Noon

Cancellation Policy

100% refund if canceled at least 60 days before arrival date. 50% refund if canceled at least 30 days before arrival date.

45 Reviews

Excellent4.6/5

1 - 6 of 45

A lovely quiet place

5/5

Stayed Aug 2018

Jeremie N.

First of all, sorry for my english, we come from Belgium.

What a lovely place we rent ! We were so lucky to spend two nights at this home. The owner was so kind with us, his sister brings us two canoës !

I want to come back at this home as soon as possible, do not hesitate to enjoy this quiet landscape.

Submitted Sep 21, 2018

our third time this year

5/5

Stayed Aug 2018

Charlie F.Sumter, South Carolina

The best getaway if you want to be away from everyone else

Submitted Aug 16, 2018

Quiet and relaxing

5/5

Stayed Aug 2018

Debbie C.Ocala, Fl.

It was a short trip to the gulf, in our pontoon boat. We were able to fish, relax in the sun, and go back to a quiet evening on the dock. Bob was a wonderful host. Thank you for sharing your sweet peace of paridise with us.

Submitted Aug 7, 2018

Owner's Response:

Please to be able to share our place with you guys anyway it really gets it really gets to him thank you for coming hope you come back another time Aloha Bob

Super Nice

5/5

Stayed Jul 2018

Kenneth P.

All of the amenities

Submitted Aug 3, 2018

Unbelievable beauty out the huge windows and seriously the CLEANEST rental ever!

5/5

Stayed Jul 2018

Allen D.

Coffee always tastes better at a wonderful relaxing retreat like this amazing Aucilla river home!! Right on the river!!! If you like peace and quiet and nature....this is your place!!

Submitted Jul 30, 2018

Very relaxing

3/5

Stayed Jun 2018

JEANNIE S.

Very quiet and peaceful.

Submitted Jun 18, 2018

1 - 6 of 45

Map

Lamont, FL, USA

We are located in the St. Mark’s Wildlife Refuge. The entry to the park itself is 21 miles away. For your convenience, JR’s Aucilla River Store is within 5 miles at the US 98 bridge. A guide service is available that provides licensed charter captains intimately familiar with the Big Bend waters.

About 30 minutes away is the village of St. Marks, on the St. Marks River where it converges with the crystal clear Wakulla River. At the headwaters of the Wakulla River, twenty minutes away, is the Wakulla Springs Lodge State Park, a “river boat adventure” tour, swimming, dining, and lodging.

For hiking, about three miles from the house, a segment of the Florida Trail runs east and west through the forest of the National Wildlife Refuge. It parallels US 98, then turns north up the Aucilla River basin through the many sinkholes to the upper run. That segment has white water rapid canoeing. You can enjoy a half-day pristine canoe or fishing trip from the headwaters of the Wacissa River merging with the Aucilla River’s lower run ending at the house.

Rent equipment from Wacissa River Canoe and Kayak Rentals take a trip through the historic "slave canal" to the Aucilla River, then wind up at our door!

Nearby recreational areas include Hickory Mound Impoundment, especially good for birding, Goose Pasture Recreational Area for canoeing and picnicking, and the St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge for scenic beauty and abundant wildlife.

For shopping, golf, museums, and other attractions, It’s a short hop up to Tallahassee, just 37 miles; to Perry it’s 22 miles.

Rates & Availability

Taxes and fees are additional

Additional information about rental rates

Cleaning Fee

$75

Pet Fee

$50

Any excess cleaning required or damage will be taken out of the deposit. This includes large quantities of dirty dishes and/or laundry, stains on the carpet, and damaged, broken or missing items etc. For a negotiated price, the sailboat with a captain can be hired. The house is only somewhat accessible to wheelchairs. There is no ramp, nor accessible shower/tub.